50+ Things To Do & See For Under $5 This Summer in Newport & Bristol Counties

Newport was once the summertime playground for the wealthiest of the wealthy, but that doesn't mean you need deep pockets to enjoy our city today. This Summer brings a bounty of affordable activities; $5 and under in fact.

Sit by the ocean and catch a glimpse of a renowned regatta or action-packed sailing race. Tip: Newport Bermuda Race returns on Friday, June 17 with front row seats to all the action at Castle Hill.

Prefer to be a little more active? Enjoy a handful of free workouts hosted by Newport Public Library held at Aquidneck Park, or climb the tower of the third oldest lighthouse in North America while it's open for the season. When you've gotten your fill of adventure, sit back and relax with a free outdoor movie - between Ballard Park and newportFILM, there's no shortage of films to captivate your inner movie buff.

Plus, don't forget to stay tuned on our social media for weekly giveaways to a host of events happening throughout our nine coastal communities.

Cheap. The word is music to our ears. We're sure it is to yours too.

CAN'T-MISS EVENTS

Newport Bermuda Race 2016

Friday, June 17. Free. A 635 nautical-mile ocean race first sailed in 1906 and held biennially in even-numbered years. The Newport Bermuda race usually takes three to six days as it crosses a stretch of the Atlantic Ocean known for challenging weather; especially in the Gulf Stream, where there are strong currents. The start is off Castle Hill Light at Castle Hill Inn. Details.

2016 Newport Storm Brew.S. Open
June 18, 2016 - June 19. $5 per person per round. Polish up your golf clubs for the 2016 Newport Storm Brew.S. Open! The event will be held at Newport Storm's sprawling 2,000 square foot course (conveniently located next to the brewery) in the North End of Newport. Friends, families and craft beer lovers are all invited to try their hand at the challenging 18-hole mini golf course while savoring their delicious brew. Details.

Climb the Tower of the Third Oldest Lighthouse in North America | 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Saturday, June 18. Free. Located on the southernmost tip of Jamestown, the Beavertail Lighthouse museum features a collection of information, artifacts, and conversation about the history and site of the third-oldest lighthouse in North America. Lace up your sneakers and climb to the top of the tower for a panoramic view of Narragansett Bay. Recurring on: July 17, July 30, August 14 and August 27.

Photo: Mark Dalmeida

Screening of Papertowns at Newport Public Library | 3:00 - 5:00 PM

Saturday, June 18. Free. Join Newport Public Library for a free screening of Papertowns in the Program Room. Snacks and an optional hands on project provided. Details.

3rd Annual Bristol Oyster Festival | 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Sunday, June 19. Free. The 3rd Annual Bristol Oyster Festival, hosted by DeWolf Tavern and Thames Street Landing, is a celebration of rich Rhode Island history, Aqua culture, community and way of life. Join us for a day of food and family fun to support the March of Dimes mission to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. Details.

Father's Day Hike at Ballard Park | 11:00 AM

Sunday, June 19. $5 suggest donation. Celebrate Dad with a hike through the trails of Ballard Park, and learn about the history and it's 13 acres. As the group hikes through the one-plus mile of trails, Friends of Ballard Park staff will point out some unique features of the park. Ballard Park was once a working quarry and provided rock to build a myriad of structures, including Doris Duke's Rough Point and the rock slide at Murphy Field. Note: Terrain is steep, so lace up your sneaks! Details.

Photo: Katelin Dutton

Guided Tour of Ballard Park | 11:00 AM

Monday, June 20. $5 suggest donation. Learn about the history of Ballard Park and explore the trails of the thirteen acre nature preserve. Note: Terrain is steep, so lace up your sneaks! Details.

Wednesday, June 22. Free. Join Newport Public Library for a free screening of Interstellar in the Program Room. Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway star in the visually stunning tale of a team of explorers that travels through a wormhole in space in an attempt to ensure humanity's survival. Details.

Wednesday, June 22. $5 per child. Learn about the important role of bees, butterflies, birds, and discover how flowers are designed to attract these animals. Hands-on lessons will be taught while walking the thirteen-acre nature preserve. The class is best suited for children 6 to 12 years old. Younger and older siblings welcome. Drop in rate is $5 per student. Adults are free and encouraged to attend. Details.

John F. Kennedy in Newport Discussion | 5:30 PM

Thursday, June 23. General admission: $5. Tom Putnam, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum's former director, will lead a conversation about John F. Kennedy and the time he spent in Newport especially during his one thousand days in our nation's highest office. The talk will include photos and home movies, including his 1953 wedding to Jacqueline Bouvier, and his days spent in Newport at "Hammersmith Farm" relaxing with family. Details.

newportFILM Outdoors Screening of Sonic Sea | 8:40 PM

Thursday, June 23. $5 Suggested donation. Sonic Sea is a 60-minute documentary about the impact of industrial and military ocean noise on whales and other marine life. It tells the story of a former US Navy officer who solved a tragic mystery and changed forever the way we understand our impact on the ocean. Pre-film live music by The Whale Guitar Project beings at 7:40 PM. Enjoy free popcorn and onsite food vendors. Details.

Screening of The Revenant at Newport Public Library | 2:30 PM

Friday, June 24. Free. Join Newport Public Library for a free screening of The Revenant in the Program Room. Oscar winner for Best Actor Leonardo DiCaprio stars in Oscar winning director Alejandro Inarritu's The Revenant, the story of a frontiersman on a fur trading expedition in the 1820's fights for survival after being mauled by a bear and left for dead by members of his own hunting team. Details.

Windmill Wednesday | 3:30 - 5:30 PM

Wednesday, June 29. $5 suggested donation. Enjoy a family-friendly evening with johnnycake tasting, hands-on activities for kids and the opportunity to see inside the 1812 Prescott Farm windmill. Guests can learn about the importance of grist milling on Aquidneck Island and explore how the windmill works. Bring a picnic dinner to enjoy while listening to live music from Rory and Ric. Recurring on July 27 and August 31.

Bristol Warren Art Night | 5:30 - 8:30 PM

Thursday, June 30. Free. Meander featured galleries, artist open studios and art-friendly businesses throughout Bristol & Warren during Bristol Warren Art Night. Explore the talents of Rhode Island art makers, craftspeople and performers, and ride along the Art Night trolley with a guided tour of every stop featured on the event, complete with great entertainment and good company. Recurring on the last Thursday of each month through September.

Gentle Yoga with Tenth Gate Yoga | 9:00 - 9:45 AM

Thursday, June 30. Free. Hatha style yoga classes with Tenth Gate Yoga, sponsored by Newport Public Library, will be held in Aquidneck Park next to the library. Participants should gather by the parking lot entrance before class. Classes will be held in the Library's Program Room in the event of bad weather. Participants will be admitted to indoor classes on a first-come first serve basis. Details.

Newport 4th of July Fireworks Display | 9:15 PM
Monday, July 4. Free. The fireworks show begins after dark, around 9:15 PM. Best viewing is anywhere along Newport Harbor, facing west. Details.

231st Bristol Fourth of July Parade | 10:30 AM

Monday, July 4. Free. The oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration in the country, the 231 Bristol Fourth of July Parade will begin at the corner of Chestnut Street and Hope Street (Rt. 114) and ends on High Street, between State Street and Bradford Streets. Details.

Zumba with Zaida | 5:30 - 6:15 PM

Tuesday, July 5. Free. Dance-style fitness classes, sponsored by Newport Public Library, will be held in Aquidneck Park next to the library. Participants should gather by the parking lot entrance before class. Classes will be held in the Library's Program Room in the event of bad weather. Participants will be admitted to indoor classes on a first-come first serve basis. Details.

The Navy Band Northeast Concert at Ballard Park | 7:00 - 8:30 PM

Wednesday, July 6. Free. Set up a blanket or a lawn chair on the grass and enjoy the musical talents of The Navy Band North East, presented by Jenkins Construction. Note: Arrive 15 minutes prior to the performance to ensure a place to park and time to make your way down to the quarry meadow. Details.

Children’s Workshop: Bugs and Slugs at Ballard Park | 1:00 - 2:30 PM

Thursday, July 7. $5 per child. Children will flip over rocks, dig in the dirt and enjoy the natural setting of Ballard Park as they search for bugs and slugs. We’ll supply our special bug collecting tools so they can examine the creepy, crawly creatures up close and learn more about their habits and habitats. The class is best suited for children 7 to 12 years old. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to come. Details.

Family Movie: Cars at Newport Public Library | 2:30 PM

Friday, July 8. Free. Join Newport Public Library for a free family screening of Cars in the Program Room. A hot-shot race-car named Lightning McQueen gets waylaid in Radiator Springs, where he finds the true meaning of friendship and family. Details.

2016 Newport Kite Festival | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Saturday, July 9 and Sunday, July 10. Free. Bring the family and enjoy the spray of colors across the sky along Ocean Drive at the annual kite festival. The air is filled with the sounds of snapping nylon and kite strings as the kites whip their tails in the sky and the ocean breeze washes your face. There is nothing more or less to this jubilee other than the pure joy of flying a kite. Details.

The Ubiquitones Concert at Ballard Park | 7:00 - 8:30 PM

Wednesday, July 13. Free. Set up a blanket or a lawn chair on the grass and enjoy the musical talents of The Ubiquitones, presented by Jenkins Construction. Note: Arrive 15 minutes prior to the performance to ensure a place to park and time to make your way down to the quarry meadow. Details.

Newport Gallery Night | 5:00 - 8:00 PM

Thursday, July 14. Free. On the second Thursday of every month, art aficionados of all kinds stroll the streets of our bustling wharves and eclectic neighborhoods to experience the work of 25+ galleries. Your Newport Gallery Night experience includes diverse galleries, museums and cultural institutions displaying art of varying kinds from varying eras, as well as special lectures at participating venues. Recurring on August 11. Details.

Workout with Pulse Fitness | 9:00 - 9:45 AM

Thursday, July 14. Free. A boot camp style workout with Pulse Fitness, sponsored by Newport Public Library, will be held in Aquidneck Park next to the library. Participants should gather by the parking lot entrance before class. Classes will be held in the Library's Program Room in the event of bad weather. Participants will be admitted to indoor classes on a first-come first serve basis. Details.

Arts & Crafts Fair at Touro Park | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Saturday, July 16 as part of The Black Ships Festival. Free. Touro Park on Bellevue Avenue is transformed into a Japanese-American Cultural Center, featuring demonstrations, workshops and displays including arts and crafts and martial arts demonstrations. Details.

Screening of Happy Potter & The Goblet of Fire | 3:00 - 5:00 PM

Saturday, July 16. Free. Join Newport Public Library for a free screening of Happy Potter & The Goblet of Fire in the Program Room. Everything you need for a take-home project, plus snacks, will be provided, and you will earn a raffle ticket for our SRP party in August! Details.

Summer Hike at Ballard Park | 10:00 - 11:00 AM

Saturday, July 16. $5 suggest donation. Staff will discuss the history and habitats of Ballard Park as we hike the miles of trails. Note: Terrain is steep, so lace up your sneaks! Recurring on Saturday, August 20. Details.

The Toe Jam Puppet Band at Ballard Park | 10:00 - 11:00 AM

Wednesday, July 20. Free. Set up a blanket or a lawn chair on the grass and enjoy the musical talents of The Toe Jam Puppet Band, presented by Jenkins Construction. Bubbles, hula hoops, squirt guns and costumes will get kids movin’ and groovin’. Offering a special brand of hands-on children’s entertainment, the Toe Jam Puppet Band encourages kids and parents to sing and dance along with the band as they entertain with a unique combination of original songs and storytelling. Note: Arrive 15 minutes prior to the performance to ensure a place to park and time to make your way down to the quarry meadow. Details.

Chelley, Bill & Dyl COncert at Ballard Park | 7:00 - 8:30 PM

Wednesday, July 20. Free. Set up a blanket or a lawn chair on the grass and enjoy the musical talents of Chelley, Bill & Dyl - offering blues, rock reggae and pop numbers. Presented by Jenkins Construction. Note: Arrive 15 minutes prior to the performance to ensure a place to park and time to make your way down to the quarry meadow. Details.

Workout with Heidi's Fitness Studio | 9:00 - 9:45 AM

Thursday, July 21. Free. A version of Heidi's famous Fit Camp- a boot camp style workout. Classes will be held in Aquidneck Park next to the library. Participants should gather by the parking lot entrance before class. Classes will be held in the Library's Program Room in the event of bad weather. Participants will be admitted to indoor classes on a first-come first serve basis. Details.

Bristol Warren Art Night | 5:30 - 8:30 PM

Thursday, July 28. Free. Meander featured galleries, artist open studios and art-friendly businesses throughout Bristol & Warren during Bristol Warren Art Night. Explore the talents of Rhode Island art makers, craftspeople and performers, and ride along the Art Night trolley with a guided tour of every stop featured on the event, complete with great entertainment and good company.

Hellenic Fest 2016 | Times Vary

Friday, July 29 - Sunday, July 31. Free. St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church presents its annual Hellenic Fest. Enjoy authentic Greek Cuisine and pastries, live music and dancing, Ouzo, Greek beer and wines and shop at the marketplace. Details.

Wednesday, August 3. Free. Newport's first "Green Drive-in" debuted in Ballard's Park's Quarry Meadow in 2006. Each summer Friends of Ballard Park hosts an outdoor movie screening reminiscent of the days of drive-in. Movie goers are invited to bring a blanket or lawn chair and picnic dinner to Ballard's Park's three acre quarry meadow and enjoy a night at the movies. Details.

Wednesday, August 10. Free. Newport's first "Green Drive-in" debuted in Ballard's Park's Quarry Meadow in 2006. Each summer Friends of Ballard Park hosts an outdoor movie screening reminiscent of the days of drive-in. Movie goers are invited to bring a blanket or lawn chair and picnic dinner to Ballard's Park's three acre quarry meadow and enjoy a night at the movies. Details.

Movies On The Rocks: Dirty Dancing | Begins at Dusk (8:00 - 8:15 PM)

Wednesday, August 17. Free. Newport's first "Green Drive-in" debuted in Ballard's Park's Quarry Meadow in 2006. Each summer Friends of Ballard Park hosts an outdoor movie screening reminiscent of the days of drive-in. Movie goers are invited to bring a blanket or lawn chair and picnic dinner to Ballard's Park's three acre quarry meadow and enjoy a night at the movies. Details.

Movies On The Rocks: The Karate Kid | Begins at Dusk (8:00 - 8:15 PM)

Wednesday, August 24. Free. Newport's first "Green Drive-in" debuted in Ballard's Park's Quarry Meadow in 2006. Each summer Friends of Ballard Park hosts an outdoor movie screening reminiscent of the days of drive-in. Movie goers are invited to bring a blanket or lawn chair and picnic dinner to Ballard's Park's three acre quarry meadow and enjoy a night at the movies. Details.

ONGOING

Live Jazz Saturdays at Greenvale Vineyards | 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Recurring every Saturday through December 10. $3. Join Greenvale Vineyards for just a glass or dare we say, taste each of their carefully crafted wine selections. The whole family is welcome, even leashed pets. No reservations necessary.

Newport Power Yoga Community Class | Days & Times Vary

Join Newport Power Yoga for a community class at a cost of $5. Community classes are all levels (except Wednesday, which is Slow Flow) and taught by experienced instructors. Tuesdays, 9:30 AM; Wednesdays, 7:00AM; Thursdays, 12:00 PM; Fridays, 7:00 PM.

Newport Gulls Games at Cardine's Field | 6:35 PM

Recurring weekly on Monday, Wednesday, Friday through August 1. $5. The Newport Gulls are a wooden-bat, summer collegiate baseball team based in Newport, Rhode Island. The Newport Gulls Baseball Club is a member of both the New England Collegiate Baseball League and the NECBL's East Division. Details.

$4 per person. Spend an afternoon (or the whole day, if that's your thing!) bowling in at Dudek Bowling Lanes in Warren. The family-owned business opened in 1938 with 8 lanes of duckpin bowling. Today, it features 18 state-of-the-art lanes, offers a variety of savory treats and even serves wine and beer.

Walk, run, bike or find a spot to kick your feet up along this welcoming course extending from Bristol to Providence. The course weaves through coves, marshes, parks and bridges offering a scenic journey no matter how long you decided to follow its path.

Stroll the 3.5 mile path where the beauty of Newport's unspoiled coastline meets the architectural history of the magical Gilded Age. Along your journey, stop and scan any of the 16 provided trail markers, which provide information on the Gilded Age mansions and numerous geographic and geological features.

The Bristol Art Museum has served to enrich the cultural life of the community through three major exhibits since its founding in 1963. Admission to the main gallery, located on the grounds of Linden Place in Bristol, is $2. The museum entrance is 10 Wardwell Street.

Open on the weekends through mid-October for guided tours from 1:00 -4:00 PM, the Jamestown Windmill was built in 1787 and in operation until 1896. Climb to the top to see the gears that translate the force of the wind into power that ultimately turns the mill stones. Signage and displays funded by a grant from the Rhode Island Council for the Humanities will help guide your trip, explaining the history and the technology of the mill along the way.

Explore 50 acres of woods and salt marsh with trails and fine views of the Sakonnet River. The refuge has blinds for observing and photographing the 150 species of birds that visit the land annually, as well as designated walking trails.

Parallel to the Ocean Drive - Brenton Point State Park provides an area to picnic, watch the surf, fish or kite fly with panoramic views of rocky coastline. Free parking, picnic tables, restrooms, and a roving concession. Open year round, sunrise to sunset.

Castle Hill Lighthouse

Listed on the National Register for Historic places, the public is welcome to visit and tour the exterior and grounds of Castle Lighthouse. Pro Tip: Visit at sunset for an unbeatable photo-op.

The largest coastal fortification in the United States makes history come alive for visitors. Walk around this engineering and architectural masterpiece to see where the soldiers lived. While you're there, explore the Bay Walk - the two mile walking and biking path set along Narragansett Bay. Free to explore, fee charged for guided tours.

Between the seven miles of trails within Weetamoo Woods and the two additional miles in the adjacent Pardon Gray Preserve (Tiverton Land Trust), you'll have ample space to lace up your sneakers and get moving on the gentle slopes and rocky/rooted pathways. The trails are well-marked and maps are available the East Road trailhead. Loops are designed for easy to moderate walks.

Brittany Lauro is the Social Media Manager at Discover Newport. When she is not blogging, Tweeting or Instagramming about the City by the Sea, she can most likely be found on the Cliff Walk with her dog, Dusty, or enjoying a glass of Chardonnay on one of Newport’s rooftop decks or sprawling seaside lawns. Her passions include writing, DIY and baking (to her roommates’ dismay).